We at Stainless Outfitters Inc. have worked extensively on boats. Our team specializes in metal fabrication, and we make a wide range of parts for use in maritime environments, including everything from mast collars to boat stairs. In particular, we have helped countless clients make their boats more accessible so they can continue to enjoy spending time on them as they age. If you are looking for boat stairs for seniors, simply give us a call to find out how we can help.
In this article, we’ll go over some key considerations that go into designing boat stairs for seniors.
- Slope – One of the most effective ways to make stairs more accessible for seniors and those with mobility issues is to lower the slope—that is, to stretch the staircase out over a longer horizontal length and lower the vertical height of each step. This reduces the strain on the muscles and makes the stairs easier to climb. Unfortunately, due to the space limitations on boats, this method is usually not an option when designing boat stairs for seniors.
- Handrails – When designing any stairs for seniors, including boat stairs, it’s also important to include handrails. The handrails should be at a comfortable height, and the user should be able to grasp them continually from the bottom of the stairs to the top without letting go. Our team has the right experience to design and fabricate sturdy handrails for your boat stairs.
- Visual Changes – Another method we use to make boat stairs for seniors safer is to visually distinguish the stairs from the floor, and to distinguish each tread from the next. For example, we can use visibility tape to mark the edge of each step.